According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were 62,471 car accidents in Utah in 2016 (the most recent year complete data is available). These accidents resulted in 26,738 people being injured in Utah. Many of these injuries required surgery. What are some of the most common types of injuries from Utah car accidents that require surgical intervention?

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

     The forces involved in car accidents often lead to spinal cord injuries in the back and neck. Discs and vertebrae can be damaged, and victims can experience bulging or herniated discs. These injures are sometimes treated initially with conservative measures such as physical therapy and/or steroid injections. If these measures fail to provide lasting relief, surgery is often necessary to treat the underlying problem. The cost of back and neck surgeries in Utah can be very high- sometimes over $100,000.00 -considering the hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and recovery expenses.

Knee Injuries

     Knee injuries in car accidents are quite common, especially in head-on collisions. The front of the vehicle may collapse into the driver or passenger's legs causing leg and knee injuries. The knee is a complex joint and can be injured in a variety of ways from broken bones to a torn ACL or other injuries. Sometimes a total knee replacement is required.

Brain and Head Injuries

     Head trauma is common in car accidents. The forces involved in some car accidents can shake the brain inside the skull causing what is known as a coup contrecoup injury. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be extremely difficult for victims. It can result in headaches, light and sound sensitivities, emotional and memory problems, and many other challenging symptoms.

     Occasionally, surgery is required for a skull fracture or to relieve bleeding and pressure.

Fractures and Broken Bones

     These types of injuries are very common in car accidents. The cost and recovery period varies greatly depending on the bone that is broken and the severity of the break. Surgery is often required to set the bone and/or install plates and screws to allow proper healing. Medical costs for a simple arm fracture can exceed $15,000.00 while other types of fractures can result in $50,000.00 or more in medical expenses.

Additional Expenses

     The costs of a surgery resulting from a car accident do not end with the hospital bill. There are also often separate invoices from the anesthesiologist, surgeon, pharmacy, radiologist and other health care professionals involved in the care. Sometimes, extensive physical therapy is needed. If a person is not well enough to take care of themselves at home, they may need inpatient rehabilitation for an extended period of time. The cost of this care is significant.

     In addition to the medical bills, an injured person may also have lost wages, the inability to work around the house (known as household services), physical impairment, and extensive pain and suffering damages. All of these damages need to be taken into account when valuing a car accident claim involving surgery.

Experienced Utah Attorney Representing Car Accident Victims Who Required Surgery

     If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident in the Salt Lake City, Utah area and required surgery afterward, you need a seasoned attorney with experience in these cases to assist you. There are numerous legal and practical considerations which require the education and experience of an attorney. In addition, the insurance companies are unlikely to pay what is fair without an attorney involved. I've successfully handled these cases for many injury victims. If I take your case, I can do it on a contingency basis where you do not have to pay any attorneys fees unless we get a settlement. I'm happy to talk to you for free. Please call attorney Jared Faerber at (801) 438-1099.